Over 400 receive National Day awards

SINGAPORE — More than 400 people received their National Day awards at the investiture ceremony held at the National University of Singapore (NUS) yesterday evening, with President Tony Tan presenting the awards, which recognise individuals for their contributions to the country.

Among the 441 recipients was billionaire Chua Thian Poh, chairman and chief executive officer of Ho Bee Land. Mr Chua, who is president of Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations and chairman of Ren Ci Hospital, received the top award —the Distinguished Service Order — for his longstanding contributions to the community.

Other awards given out included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Public Service Star and the Public Service Medal. The Meritorious Service Medal went to six recipients, among them Mrs Theresa Foo-Yo Mie Yoen, chairman of the Esplanade; Prof Satkunanantham Kandiah, former director of Medical Services at Ministry of Health; and Mr Po’ad Shaik Abu Bakar Mattar, a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers.

Ten Home Team officers also received the Commendation Medal for their handling of the Little India riot last year. Said Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean in a Facebook post on the ceremony, which he attended: “Their courage and initiative to extricate the deceased and injured in the face of danger were recognised (tonight) at the National Day Awards. Well done guys!”

In total, 3,354 individuals in 19 award categories received National Day honours this year.

CHANNEL NEWSASIA